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In a year of political turmoil on the national level, readers came to 5280 not only to explore the issues that affect us locally, but also to lose themselves in topics that are, well, a little more fun. Beyond our annual Best Restaurants and Top of the Town features, which always attract the masses, this year’s most-read list had a little bit of everything—real estate, environment, education, and even some celebrity gossip—as well as stories you can’t find anywhere else.
Read on to get just a small taste of the pieces that resonated with 5280 readers in 2017.
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Denver’s 25 Best Restaurants 2017
Denise Mickelsen | October 2017
Who’s on the list, and who’s off? That is the question. Here’s a fresh look at the spots—some old, many new—that take excellent care of their guests and consistently bring exception flavor to the table.
Everything You Know About Denver’s Real Estate Market Is Wrong
Natasha Gardner | May 2017
Well, maybe not everything. But thanks to scant housing inventory, massive population growth, and still-low interest rates, buying or selling a home in—or even near—the Mile High City means stepping into a fierce game with ever-changing rules. Here’s how to play the market right now.
Lost and Found
Robert Sanchez | November 2017
Several long-serving members of NecroSearch, the world’s preeminent group for locating and retrieving missing bodies, are nearing retirement age. What will happen to the Colorado-based volunteer organization once they’re gone?
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Top of the Town 2017
Spencer Campbell | July 2017
Intimidated by all the new hot spots popping up around the city? We’ve got you covered. Our annual list of the best places to eat, drink, take in a show, work out, relax, and more (150 winners this year!) will ensure you never have to settle for the same ole thing.
New School
Kasey Cordell | September 2017
Colorado is launching a first-in-the-country apprenticeship program that’s designed to let students earn it all: a diploma, a degree, and a middle-class wage. The best part? It’s free.
Ben Higgins Talks About His Home Post-Split
Jessica LaRusso | May 26, 2017
Almost two weeks after The Bachelor star and his fiancée, Lauren Bushnell, announced their breakup, 5280 Home checked in with Higgins about how he—and his home—are faring.
Longtime Local News Anchor Signing Off At Last
Spencer Campbell | June 2017
Adele Arakawa never planned on staying in Denver this long, but after 24 years at 9News, it’s time for the popular broadcaster to roll on.
Classic Denver
5280 Staff | April 19, 2017
Sure, you’ve tried all the hot new places. But what about the old? Here, our list of the restaurants, landmarks, museums, events, and more that make Denver special.
Colorado’s New Master of Wine
Denise Mickelsen | September 2017
Ashley Hausman Vaughters earned the impressive credential after almost a decade of study and drinking more bottles than she can count.
—Photo by Benjamin Rasmussen
Rob Katz Is the Most Powerful Man in the Ski Industry
Rachel Walker | January 2017
Since becoming the CEO of Vail Resorts in 2006, Katz has led the company in the acquisition of nine properties, discounted the cost of season passes, and persuaded his customers to market the brand. What does he have planned next?
5280 Neighborhood Guide to RiNo
Daliah Singer | April 19, 2017
There’s always something new to discover in Denver’s hippest ‘hood.
Are We Loving Colorado’s Wild Places to Death?
Lindsey Koehler | October 2017
If Coloradans want to continue to play in unadulterated wildlands, they’re going to have to learn to better care for them. We show you how.
